A takeaway van man has won his fight to continue flipping burgers in Tilehurst despite a string of complaints.

Ian Adey risked having his street trading licence revoked after residents and community groups took a dislike to the new business venture in Lyon Square.

Complaints were received from chair of Dee Park Residents’ Association Margaret O’Connor, secretary of the Community Regeneration Action Group Dave Hobley, ward councillor Jo Lovelock and representatives of shops in Lyon Square.

Many moaned about the close location to Ranikhet Primary School and the temptation for children to buy unhealthy snacks, despite the school saying it had no problems with Mr Adey’s van.

Objectors also criticised the number of parking spaces taken up by the van when parking will become an issue in the area as it is redeveloped.

Mr Adey told the licensing sub-committee last Wednesday, he had personally moved a large mound of earth and now only took up one space.

The meeting heard no complaints were received from ward councillors during the initial consultation when Mr Adey applied for consent, as they “did not spot the original email from licensing”, according to an email sent from Cllr Lovelock.

The council also made an error as Mr Adey’s application was not sent to the valuation department for consultation.

Speaking on behalf of Mr Adey, pal Robert Masterson told the committee: “Before Ian Adey purchased his burger van he went through the licensing process.

“He has now invested the money into the business and has done everything he can along the way to appease everybody.

“There has been mistakes by the council and councillors and if it doesn’t go in Ian Adey’s favour the money he has invested is lost over one parking space.”

Supporter Joshua Wilson, who also signed a 122-signature petition in favour of the van, which cashes in on the army of hungry builders working on the £150 million Dee Park regeneration project, added: “With Ian Adey’s venture people who have been living next to each other for years suddenly start talking to each other over a burger.

“What this man is doing is bringing people traffic to Lyon Square and raising its negative connotation.

“The number of objectors is dwarfed by the number of people in favour of this venture. This business is helping the project, not distracting from it.”

But supporting the motion to revoke the licence Cllr Peter Jones, on behalf of Cllr Lovelock, said: “This is a small car park and the only parking in that area is going to be that car park.

“It’s a controversial issue within the community.”

The committee decided to allow Mr Adey to continue trading from the remainder of the street trading consent. Mr Adey, who has lived in nearby Spey Road for 33 years, was allowed to trade between 7am and 4.30pm Monday to Saturday until Monday, June 13, next year.

Speaking after the meeting he said: “I think it’s a just result. It’s something that this estate has needed for years.”